A mild smell can be noticeable when you unwrap a new memory foam mattress. The best first step is to let it air out in a well-ventilated room, following the mattress makerโs setup and care instructions. There is no universal timetable for when the odor will disappear, and common household remedies have not been established as reliable ways to remove odor from the foam itself.
Why a new memory foam mattress may smell
Some mattresses have an initial scent after unpacking as their materials air out. Leesa and Helix both describe this possibility for their own mattresses, but their guidance is not a guarantee about every brand or model. The source of a particular mattressโs odor cannot be identified from smell alone.
A CertiPUR-US certification may be relevant if the mattress uses certified flexible polyurethane foam, but it is not a certification of the entire mattress or its maker. CertiPUR-US describes certified foam as low-VOC, with emissions below 0.5 parts per million under the programโs criteria; that does not mean zero emissions or promise that a mattress will have no initial odor. See the CertiPUR-US FAQ.
How to air out the mattress
- Unwrap it according to the makerโs setup directions. Place the mattress in a room where air can circulate around it, rather than leaving it sealed in packaging.
- Ventilate the room. Open windows when conditions allow. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends ventilation to improve indoor air quality and says fans that exhaust air outdoors increase ventilation and help remove pollutants. An ordinary fan can help move room air, but it has not been shown here to deodorize foam or guarantee a result. See the EPAโs indoor-air guide.
- Give the air time to circulate, then judge the smell for yourself. Manufacturer guidance acknowledges that an odor may occur but does not establish one dissipation period that applies to every mattress. Do not rely on a fixed number of hours or days as a guarantee.
- Check the mattressโs own care instructions. Contact the manufacturer if the odor concerns you or persists, and ask about the modelโs setup, care, warranty, or return options.
What not to do
- Do not unzip or remove the cover unless the maker says to. CertiPUR-US advises checking the care instructions or manufacturer before removing a cover. Some covers are not intended to be taken off or washed. See its cover-care guidance.
- Do not assume baking soda, sprays, or an air purifier will remove odor from the foam. The cited primary guidance does not establish these as effective mattress-foam treatments. Avoid applying products to the mattress unless its care instructions specifically allow them.
- Do not treat โlow VOCโ as โodor-free.โ Certification has a limited scope and does not establish that every mattress has no smell or emissions.
When to ask the manufacturer for help
If the odor is unusually strong, is not improving to your satisfaction, or you are unsure whether a cover or treatment is safe, contact the mattress maker using the support information for your exact model. Leesaโs and Helixโs support pages explain that their own new mattresses may have an initial odor, but do not set a universal waiting period: Leesa and Helix Sleep.
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- Odor Elimination Technology: Eliminates bad odors at the source using advanced formula technology that neutralizes airborne and in-carpet smells
- Simple Application: Easy to use spray application allows for quick and convenient odor treatment on multiple surfaces
- Versatile Surface Use: Suitable for use on carpets, rugs, upholstery, clothing, bedding, and car interiors at home or office
- Long-Lasting Freshness: Provides a fresh, long-lasting scent while absorbing odors rather than masking them with the 32 oz bottle size
The EPAโs general advice is: โAlways ventilate and follow manufacturersโ instructions when you use products or appliances that may release pollutants into the indoor air.โ That supports ventilation and product-specific care, not a particular mattress treatment or a claim about the cause of an individual odor.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- ZERO ODOR 32 oz. PRO Odor Eliminator Spray PL1320006
Rank #4
- ODOR REMOVAL โ NOT MASKING - ZORBX odor remover for home neutralizes odor molecules at the source instead of covering them up with fragrance. Designed to remove strong odors from pet urine, cigarette smoke, poop smells, musty rooms, trash cans, and everyday household odors. Works where masking sprays fail.
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Rank #3
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- ๐๐๐ฅ ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐ฉ๐๐ฅ๐ฌ ๐ฆ๐จ๐ฅ๐๐๐๐ โ Mist it into the room or spray it straight onto whatever holds the smell. A fabric freshener spray for bedding, curtains and closets, and a couch deodorizer for the cushions your guests sit on.
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Rank #2
- STAIN AND ODOR REMOVER: Clorox Urine Remover for Stains and Odors breaks down urine to eliminate odor, not mask it, while the powerful hydrogen peroxide cleaner removes stains
- URINE CLEANER: Formula uses hydrogen peroxide to remove uric acid crystals and break down the cell structure of bacteria to eliminate the lingering smell and evidence of urine
- CARPET STAIN REMOVER: This powerful stain remover is safe to use on fibers and soft surfaces such as carpet upholstery mattresses and bed linens, as well as hard to clean surfaces such as grout
- OUTDOOR STAIN REMOVER: The hydrogen peroxide formula works great on hard non-porous surfaces such as concrete sidewalks, outdoor tile and trash areas
- GREAT FOR COMMERCIAL USE: From CloroxPro, this urine remover eliminates the smell and appearance of urine in schools, restaurants, bars, hotels, outdoor stadiums and more
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